The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said on the 24th that it held the "first Win-Win Honors plaque ceremony for 2026" and selected 10 outstanding cases of mutually beneficial cooperation between large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and public institutions, presenting commemorative plaques.
Win-Win Honors is a program that discovers and awards cases of mutually beneficial cooperation in which large corporations and public institutions create outcomes together with partner small and medium-sized enterprises. Selected corporations receive benefits including promotional support, extra points in the co-growth evaluation, issuance of expedited immigration cards, and preferential consideration for government awards related to co-growth.
This time, a total of 10 cases were selected: ▲ four for technological self-reliance and overseas expansion ▲ two for responding to global regulations including ESG ▲ four for expanding sales channels linked to solving social problems.
In the top-rated case involving Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) and Hanil Hitech, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) opened the Pyeongtaek LNG base as a "K-test bed" and supported demonstration expense and technical data. Based on this, Hanil Hitech succeeded in localizing ball bearings that maintain performance even at a cryogenic minus 162 degrees. It achieved a 30% reduction in production cost, a four-month shorter delivery period, and reverse exports worth $770,000.
Korea Midland Power Co. (KOMIPO) and Weplat successfully entered overseas markets by enhancing the competitiveness of AI-based leak detection technology through demonstration projects leveraging power plant infrastructure. Korea South-East Power Co. (KOEN) and Sungil Turbine achieved localization of core gas turbine parts and expanded exports through a decade of joint research and development. Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) and ANSE Technology also jointly developed a smart levee icing management system, laying the groundwork for entry into global markets.
In the ESG field, Doosan Enerbility and KPCM established an integrated support system to respond to the European Union (EU) carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). Hanwha Systems and Seoul Standard·EUCAST systematically managed and shared supply chain data to boost competitiveness in ESG assessments.
Models of mutual growth that address social challenges were also included. Standard Energy and Daejeon Transportation Corporation conducted demonstrations of next-generation batteries in subway stations and succeeded in commercializing next-generation batteries that reduce fire risk. The Korea Elevator Safety Agency (KoELSA) and Joeun Elevator jointly developed an elevator emergency rescue system and won the gold medal at the International Invention Fair.
In addition, the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) and Moonchang supported the acquisition of overseas certifications to back expanded exports, while Lotte GRS and Haeseong Farm collaborated with young farmers to introduce new menu items using local specialties, creating a case of regional mutual growth.
Lee Byeong-gweon, the second vice minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), said, "Mutual growth is not a choice but an essential strategy for the sustainable growth and leap of Korea's industrial ecosystem," adding, "The Ministry will expand the scope of cooperation beyond manufacturing-centered mutual growth to various industries such as finance, defense, and online platforms, laying the foundation for growth across the corporate ecosystem."